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A sneak peek into the future of British cinema at the BFI London Film Festival
The BFI London Film Festival is gearing up to present a captivating array of U.K. features at its fifth annual Works-in-Progress Showcase. This event promises to offer a tantalizing glimpse into the future of British cinema, with a diverse selection of projects that span various genres and themes.
A diverse lineup of promising projects
On October 12, industry professionals will gather at London’s Picturehouse Central to witness nine unique projects. These range from gritty documentaries to offbeat comedies, each bringing a fresh perspective to the screen.
Exploring life after incarceration
One of the standout features is Be of Good Behaviour, directed by Giulio Gobbetti and Jan Stöckel. This film follows the challenging journey of two ex-prisoners as they navigate life after incarceration, offering a raw and unfiltered look at their struggles and triumphs.
A wrongful conviction and a return home
Richard Bracewell’s Chicken Town tells the poignant story of a young man who returns to his hometown after serving time for a crime he didn’t commit. This narrative delves into themes of redemption, justice, and the quest for truth.
The impact of homophobic laws
Sarah Elizabeth Drummond’s documentary Don’t Say Gay explores the devastating impact of Section 28, a homophobic law enacted in 1980s Britain. Through personal stories and historical context, the film sheds light on the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community during this turbulent period.
Love in a removal center
Dreamers, directed by Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, presents a touching love story set in a removal center. This film highlights the human side of immigration issues, focusing on the emotional and personal experiences of those affected.
Community response to an immigration raid
Felipe Bustos Sierra’s Everybody to Kenmure Street documents a community’s powerful response to an immigration raid in Glasgow. The film captures the solidarity and resilience of the local residents as they stand up against injustice.
A personal journey of loss and memory
Daniel Gough’s Night Gardener is a deeply personal documentary that examines the filmmaker’s relationship with his late father. Through intimate reflections and poignant memories, the film explores themes of loss, grief, and the enduring bond between parent and child.
A quest for meaning in London
Liam Calvert’s On a Winter Night follows two strangers on a quest for meaning in the bustling city of London. This narrative weaves together their individual stories, creating a tapestry of human connection and existential exploration.
Coming-of-age in 1984 Dublin
Spilt Milk, directed by Brian Durnin, offers a coming-of-age story set in 1984 Dublin. The film captures the essence of youth, rebellion, and the search for identity against the backdrop of a changing society.
A dark comedy inspired by Aesop’s fable
Rounding out the selection is Ondine Viñao’s Two Neighbors, a dark comedy inspired by Aesop’s fable “Avaricious and Envious.” This film uses humor and satire to explore themes of greed, envy, and the complexities of human relationships.
A platform for emerging and established filmmakers
The Works-in-Progress Showcase is a key component of the festival’s U.K. Talent Days, held in partnership with the British Council. It aims to spotlight both emerging directors and established filmmakers, providing a unique opportunity for international buyers, U.K. sales agents, and festival programmers to view exclusive extracts from each project. The filmmakers themselves will introduce their works, offering insights into their creative processes and visions.
A track record of success
The showcase has a proven track record of supporting projects that go on to achieve significant success at international festivals and in distribution. Notable alumni include The Ceremony by Jack King, Girl by Adura Onashile, and Hoard by Luna Carmoon.
Kristy Matheson, the BFI London Film Festival Director, emphasized the importance of the showcase, stating: “The BFI London Film Festival Works-in-Progress showcase offers an energizing forum for creative discovery and connecting filmmakers with sales agents, distributors, and festival programmers.”
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